7 Tips for Better Sleep

Sleep is so important for your overall health, but some nights it comes easier than others. Thankfully, if you're struggling, there are a few things you can do to improve your sleep and get some rest.

Getting enough sleep is one of the most important, but often overlooked, factors in achieving and maintaining good health. In a society that encourages us to hustle and grind until we're exhausted, it's easy to feel tempted to put sleep on the back burner. But the reality is, we need adequate amounts of sleep, on a regular basis, to feel our best. If you're having a hard time getting enough sleep, or you just want to improve your sleep overall, try one (or all!) of these tips!

7 Tips for Better Sleep

1. Set a bedtime (and stick to it!)

Aim for a bedtime that will allow you to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night. You can set a notification on your phone 30 minutes prior to your bedtime, each night, and start your wind down routine. If you have an iPhone you can use the 'Bedtime' feature for this. If you're consistent, eventually you'll notice yourself naturally becoming tired around the same time each night as your body prepares for sleep.

2. Use magnesium

Magnesium has a calming effect on your nervous system and it's been found to be effective in improving sleep and even treating insomnia. Try using a magnesium oil spray on the bottom of your feet before bed each night and see if your sleep quality improves.

3. Brew a cup of relaxing tea

Sipping a cup of hot tea before bed is a great way to wind down for the night. Go for an herbal tea like chamomile and stay away from caffeine containing teas like black or green tea. This Bedtime Tea is one of my favorites.

4. Take a hot shower or bath

Taking a hot shower or bath can really help you wind down after a long day. To make the experience even more relaxing, try using a soap or body wash with a calming essential oil like lavender. I love using this lavender bar soap or this calming body wash at night. If you're taking a bath, throw in a cup of epsom salts. Epsom salts also contain magnesium to help your body relax!

5. Hang black out curtains

If you're very sensitive to light, you may want to consider hanging blackout curtains in your bedroom to keep the room dark. Keeping the temperature in your bedroom at a cool setting can also help you sleep more comfortably.

6. Cut your screen time

Artificial light, especially blue light from smart phones, computer screens, and TVs, can disrupt your body's natural production of melatonin - the sleep hormone. If you can't cut out screen time at night altogether, try downloading the f.lux software on your devices or using the 'Night Shift' feature on your iPhone to reduce your exposure to blue light at night. Another easy option is to buy blue light blocking glasses that you can wear when it starts to get dark.

7. Say a prayer

I know it might sound a little cliché, but saying a prayer before bed always helps me have a good night's rest. Especially on nights where I may be feeling a little anxious or frustrated about something, I take a few minutes before bed to surrender those emotions over to God and choose to rest in Him.

What are your top tips for getting a good night's sleep? Leave a comment and let me know!